"The partnership between Veterans Affairs Canada and the CFL allows
Canadians to pay tribute to our Veterans on a national platform," said
Minister Blaney. "Our Veterans acted selflessly and courageously to
protect the freedoms and values of our country. We honour and encourage
the remembrance of their legacy through commemorative partnerships like
the one we have established with the CFL."

Graeme Bellwas chosen as this year's recipient of the Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Award
thanks to his efforts as a leader both on and off the field. His
teammates look to him for leadership and his community benefits from
his involvement in many different charities, fundraisers and
organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Homeless Connect, and
the Brain Injury Association.

"We are enormously proud of this award because we are so proud of our
association with our Veterans, to whom we owe our freedom and
democracy," said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football
League. "And we are equally proud of Graeme Bell. He truly exemplifies
the qualities of Canada's Veterans, and epitomizes what is best about
our league. His story is a testament to the power of courage and
perseverance, his life an example of selfless service to others. We
congratulate him, and always, thank our Veterans for their service to
all of us."

"We are pleased to present the award this year to Graeme Bell," said
Lieutenant-General Semianiw. "He demonstrates the attributes shared by
our Veterans—strength, perseverance, comradeship, courage and community
involvement."

Jake Gaudaur was a Canadian hero. A Canadian fighter pilot instructor
during the Second World War, he won Grey Cups as both a player and an
executive, before serving as commissioner of the CFL from 1968 to 1984.
His story embodies the historic bond between the league and Veterans,
one that is celebrated with the presentation of the Jake Gaudaur
Veterans' Award. It is presented each year to a CFL player who shares
similar attributes with Canada's Veterans.

Today's presentation was held at Moss Park Armoury with Veterans in
attendance.

The Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Award is part of the Canadian Football
League's 2012 Veterans' Tribute which is supported by Veterans Affairs
Canada through the Community Engagement Partnership Fund. The Tribute
includes in-stadium activities commemorating the achievements and
sacrifices of Canadian Veterans during times of war, military conflict
and peace.